Vaginal Discharge In Pregnancy

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is absolutely normal to experience an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, in fact it can often be one of the first signs you’re pregnant! 

Why…well once again we can thank hormones for these changes in vaginal discharge, and in particular oestrogen, resulting in an increase in blood flow to the vaginal area during pregnancy and because of this more vaginal discharge is likely to being produced.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is known as leukorrhea, it’s usually thin, milky white, and mild smelling.  And its job is to help keep the vagina clean, preventing infections travelling from the vagina to the uterus, and as you may have already noticed the amount you produce can increase as your pregnancy continues.

Are Vaginal Discharge And The Mucus Plug The Same?

Whilst both are a form of discharge, they both have different jobs to do in the body.

• Vaginal discharge during pregnancy, is usually thin and creamy white in colour and is noticed on a daily basis as it helps keep the vagina clean and free from infection.
• The mucus plug is a dense piece of mucus that forms at the entrance to the cervix in early pregnancy. It acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and infections from entering the uterus and potentially reaching your developing baby.

As your body prepares for childbirth, and typically in the later stages of pregnancy, the cervix begins to soften, thin out, and dilate in preparation for labour and delivery. As a result, the mucus plug is dislodged from the cervix and pushed out into the vaginal passage, you will most likely see this in your underwear, on your pantyliner, or on toilet tissue as you wipe, and some of you may now this as a ‘show’. 

Losing the mucus plug is considered a normal part of the late pregnancy process and it can occur days, or even weeks before labour begins, think of it as a sign that your body is getting ready to give birth to your baby.

It's also possible for the mucus plug to be expelled gradually over time, rather than all at once, so don’t worry, sometimes you may not even notice when it happens.

Remember too, that losing the mucus plug doesn't necessarily mean that labour will start immediately, it's just one of the many signs that labour could be approaching.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Vaginal Discharge?

Whilst vaginal discharge in pregnancy is perfectly normal there are few signs you should look out for that may indicate an infection is present:

• A strong or unpleasant odour.
• A change in colour to yellow, green, or grey.
• Thick discharge resembling cottage cheese.
• Itching, burning, redness, or swelling.
• Pain during urination or intercourse.
• Large blood clots (though light spotting can be normal, significant bleeding requires immediate medical attention).

What Can Cause Abnormal Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?

Abnormal discharge can be caused by:

• Yeast Infections: Indicated by thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese.
• Bacterial Vaginosis: Often causes a grey or white discharge with a fishy odour.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, can cause unusual discharge.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Can sometimes alter the nature of vaginal discharge.

Any unusual or concerning changes in discharge, including colour, consistency, or the amount produced, should be brought to the attention of your doctor, midwife or healthcare provider for evaluation and monitoring.